DisneyExaminerhttp://disneyexaminer.com
Taking a Closer Look at DisneyMon, 14 Aug 2017 20:37:04 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.8.154092154Netflix steals Shonda Rhimes from ABC to develop new original serieshttp://disneyexaminer.com/2017/08/14/netflix-steals-shonda-rhimes-from-abc-to-develop-new-original-series/
http://disneyexaminer.com/2017/08/14/netflix-steals-shonda-rhimes-from-abc-to-develop-new-original-series/#respondMon, 14 Aug 2017 20:29:19 +0000http://disneyexaminer.com/?p=41568Late Sunday night, Netflix announced that it had signed a $10 million a year, multi-year agreement with Shonda Rhimes, the mind behind some of Disney/ABC’s primetime hits. It comes on[...]]]>

Late Sunday night, Netflix announced that it had signed a $10 million a year, multi-year agreement with Shonda Rhimes, the mind behind some of Disney/ABC’s primetime hits. It comes on the heels of Disney’s decision to cut ties with the company starting in 2019 with the debut of Disney’s own streaming service.

The “How To Get Away With Murder” and “Scandal” creator’s contract with the Disney-owned TV network later this year. According the to The Los Angeles Times, ABC execs tried to keep her with multiple monetary offers, but she already made up her mind to make the shift.

Rhimes decision came most likely came from a combination of money offered and the creative freedom for her and her production company. “[It’s a] clear, fearless space for creators,” she said of Netflix in a statement.

The streaming service has made it clear that it wants to create original content for its over 100 million global subscribers. Rhimes’ statement of her new collaborative partners proves that Netflix is serious and is willing to devote the resources and even flexibility for creators to produce shows that fit a certain format (e.g. Netflix shows are nearly 1 hour of uninterrupted show time with no commercials. It’s all done intentionally to support its new generators of content-turned-business.

ABC isn’t losing all of its Shondaland shows, however. As previously announced at this year’s Upfront presentation, the network will still air the final season of “Scandal” and air two new shows starting this fall. All future shows now will only be viewable with a subscription to the streaming giant that’s also looking to become a production giant, too.

“Shonda Rhimes is one of the greatest storytellers in the history of television,” said Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s chief content officer, said in a statement. “Her work is gripping, inventive, pulse-pounding, heart-stopping, taboo-breaking television at its best. We’re so excited to welcome her to Netflix.”

For this week stop, Jordan and Andy discuss the news and the repercussions of Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire, a “hyper-reality” VR experience is coming to the Disney Resorts in California and Florida. Also, Andy gives the latest parks run-down including the new rules for parking at Downtown Disney and the impending departure of the Main Street Electrical Parade at Disneyland.

You can listen to this episode on iTunes now or CLICK HERE. While you’re there, make sure you subscribe AND leave us feedback on the new show. We’d really appreciate it as we kick things off.

Our theme song was created by DJ Sorcey. If you want to check out other Disney mixes please check out or DJ Sorcey’s SoundCloud for more.

Show Notes

]]>http://disneyexaminer.com/2017/08/14/monorail-blue-episode-06-star-wars-vr-at-disney-parks/feed/041559You can re-live the iconic lantern scene from Disney’s “Tangled” in real life at this museum in Japanhttp://disneyexaminer.com/2017/08/13/you-can-re-live-the-iconic-lantern-scene-from-disneys-tangled-in-real-life-at-this-museum-in-japan/
http://disneyexaminer.com/2017/08/13/you-can-re-live-the-iconic-lantern-scene-from-disneys-tangled-in-real-life-at-this-museum-in-japan/#respondMon, 14 Aug 2017 01:58:09 +0000http://disneyexaminer.com/?p=41561“Tangled” is arguably one of Disney Animation’s most beloved animated features since its debut back in 2010. The Disney princess tale became quite popular because of the iconic scenes, including[...]]]>

“Tangled” is arguably one of Disney Animation’s most beloved animated features since its debut back in 2010. The Disney princess tale became quite popular because of the iconic scenes, including the lantern segment that accompanied the equally iconic song from the film, “I See The Light.”

The scene itself was inspired by the real lantern festivals that are a part of Asian cultures. While the means of having and releasing the lanterns differs from culture to culture, the common element among the events are that of beauty.

Lantern festivals are seasonal and are rare to find since many aren’t held due to environmental regulations, it’s sometimes impossible to see the beauty of these events. But that didn’t stop some creative people to try to show that beauty of in other ways.

teamLab, an artistic community based in Japan, worked directly with the Walt Disney Animation Studios to re-create that iconic lantern scene from “Tangled” that can be experienced whenever you want. The result of their work was a room that makes it feel like you’re in the middle of that scene with the help of sensors, LED lights, and mirrors.

It’s a very involved experience with lanterns getting brighter when you get close to them. Every surface, including the floors, are mirrored to make it seem like the lanterns go on forever (just like the film). Add the music from the film and you have something that would make Rapunzel and Flynn Rider proud.

You’ll have to travel to Miraikan Museum in Tokyo, Japan to see it It’s part of an exhibit called “The Art of Disney – The Magic of Animation,” and while there are no plans for the exhibit to travel to other locations after it closes at the museum in September, you can get a small feeling of the “Tangled” experience by watching the video above.

]]>http://disneyexaminer.com/2017/08/13/you-can-re-live-the-iconic-lantern-scene-from-disneys-tangled-in-real-life-at-this-museum-in-japan/feed/041561Watch David Hasselhoff and James Gunn talk about their “Guardians Inferno” music videohttp://disneyexaminer.com/2017/08/11/watch-david-hasselhoff-and-james-gunn-talk-about-their-guardians-inferno-music-video/
http://disneyexaminer.com/2017/08/11/watch-david-hasselhoff-and-james-gunn-talk-about-their-guardians-inferno-music-video/#respondFri, 11 Aug 2017 17:05:11 +0000http://disneyexaminer.com/?p=41555Late last week, we were invited to attend a special chat with David Hasselhoff and James Gunn. Talk about weird. But indeed, these two guys go together because of one[...]]]>

Late last week, we were invited to attend a special chat with David Hasselhoff and James Gunn. Talk about weird.

But indeed, these two guys go together because of one thing – “Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2.” If you haven’t seen the movie yet, you would know that Hasselhoff plays a small, but memorable cameo role throughout the film. While he’s more the butt of the jokes in the feature film, Gunn knew there was more to The Hoff that he needed to use.

So that’s why the both of them, along with some of the Guardians themselves, recorded an 80s music video to the song that Hasselhoff rapped in during the end credits. It’s called “Guardians Inferno” and if the title doesn’t sound 80s enough, wait until you watch the video.

During the chat, Gunn said that they used real 80s video equipment to record it and spared no expense in making sure the set, lights, costumes, and choreography was period-specific as well. The Hoff, well, he just took it in stride.

Watch the full chat with the both of them in the player above.

This all comes perfectly timed with the release of “Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2” on Blu-ray and DVD combo pack. You can watch the “Guardians Inferno” music video, plus go behind-the-scenes on the making of the second “Guardians” film with more exclusive interviews, deleted scenes, and more bonus features.

]]>http://disneyexaminer.com/2017/08/11/watch-david-hasselhoff-and-james-gunn-talk-about-their-guardians-inferno-music-video/feed/041555Disney will be starting its own streaming services; ends its Netflix distribution deal in 2019http://disneyexaminer.com/2017/08/08/disney-will-be-starting-its-own-streaming-services-ends-its-netflix-distribution-deal-in-2019/
http://disneyexaminer.com/2017/08/08/disney-will-be-starting-its-own-streaming-services-ends-its-netflix-distribution-deal-in-2019/#respondTue, 08 Aug 2017 23:07:17 +0000http://disneyexaminer.com/?p=41543Today, The Walt Disney Company announced that they will be securing a majority stake in BAMTech, the streaming service operation created by Major League Baseball’s Internet and media company. BAMTech[...]]]>

Today, The Walt Disney Company announced that they will be securing a majority stake in BAMTech, the streaming service operation created by Major League Baseball’s Internet and media company.

BAMTech in itself is a suite of technology products that allow for “direct-to-consumer streaming, plus marketing services, data analytics, and commerce management.” In other words, it has allowed the MLB to stream nearly every baseball game and related game info to its apps and online properties.

The technology later attracted many other sports and content companies that wanted to use the service for their own streaming needs. One of those companies was Disney. Last August, Disney purchased a minority stake in BAMTech for $1 billion. Today’s additional investment of $1.58 billion will solidify the company’s interest in using the streaming technologies to the fullest.

That includes the highly anticipated ESPN-branded multi-sport streaming service. As was has been widely reported for the past few years, subscribers to Disney’s sports channels have dwindled, causing havoc to Disney’s overall financial wellness since a strong majority of Disney’s revenue came from ESPN cable subscriptions. BAMTech is Disney’s hope of regaining those lost subscribers, as well as gain new ones who are opting to “cut the cable” and get their entertainment from un-packaged deals.

In addition to the ESPN streaming service, Disney also announced that it will be using BAMTech to shift all its digital products to its new Disney-branded streaming service. The yet-to-be-named service “will become the exclusive home in the U.S. for subscription-video-on-demand viewing of the newest live action and animated movies from Disney and Pixar, beginning with the 2019 theatrical slate.” Original content and a library for existing content will also be accessible and be exclusively accessed by users of the new service.

With the shift in its online product strategy, Disney also announced that it will be ending its streaming deals with Netflix beginning in 2019. In a multi-billion dollar deal back made back in 2016, Disney chose Netflix to be the only place where all of its theatrical films would be streamed after their theatrical debuts. With the new unnamed service coming, it’s Disney’s hope that it would be an extreme incentive to use their service.

“This acquisition [of BAMTech] and the launch of our direct-to-consumer services mark an entirely new growth strategy for the Company, one that takes advantage of the incredible opportunity that changing technology provides us to leverage the strength of our great brands,” said Disney CEO Bob Iger regarding today’s announcement.

Online marketplaces like iTunes and Amazon will still carry Disney’s films for purchase.

The ESPN-branded streaming service will debut in early 2018. The Disney-branded streaming service will be unveiled sometime in 2019.

You can watch a video of what BAMTech is all about in the video player above.

]]>http://disneyexaminer.com/2017/08/08/disney-will-be-starting-its-own-streaming-services-ends-its-netflix-distribution-deal-in-2019/feed/041543You must visit the Walt Disney Family Museum for these two new limited-time exhibitionshttp://disneyexaminer.com/2017/08/07/you-must-visit-the-walt-disney-family-museum-for-these-two-new-limited-time-exhibitions/
http://disneyexaminer.com/2017/08/07/you-must-visit-the-walt-disney-family-museum-for-these-two-new-limited-time-exhibitions/#respondTue, 08 Aug 2017 00:23:47 +0000http://disneyexaminer.com/?p=41523I had the chance to re-visit The Walt Disney Family Museum late last week in San Francisco. The main attraction, of course, is the museum itself, dedicated to Walt Disney’s[...]]]>

The main attraction, of course, is the museum itself, dedicated to Walt Disney’s life story and work in hopes that it will inspire future generations to dream big and make magic happen. The secondary attractions at the museum come in the form of the special, limited-time exhibitions that showcase some of the art and artists that have or had been inspired by Walt’s work.

During my visit, I got to take in two of these special exhibitions showcasing the art of Andreas Deja and Eyvind Earle.

Deja was an animator at the Walt Disney Animation Studios during the famed “Disney Renaissance” period. He got to design and animate some of Disney’s most famous characters like Jafar from “Aladdin” and Hercules from “Hercules.” His exhibit called “Deja View” contains some of that art he sketched for those films, as well as some of his early work as a budding artist.

Before Deja, however, were artists like Earle who actually worked with Walt Disney himself to create amazing art. Earle, a U.S. veteran, got his start doing wartime comics. After his service, he continued to hone is art by establishing his own style that ultimately became his signature on everything he did. His use of dots, fanciful lines, and rich colors made for amazing tapestries of nature, people, and even restaurant menus.

It was this body of work that caught Walt’s eye. He hired him and had him lead the art and direction for films like “Sleeping Beauty.”

These exhibitions and more make for even more reason to pay a visit to The Walt Disney Family Museum the next time you’re in San Francisco. Make sure you visit before January 8, 2018 and October 9, 2017 as that’s when the Eyvind Earle and Andreas Deja exhibitions close!

Tickets, parking, and directions can all be found on the Museum’s official website.

My special thanks to our friends at The Walt Disney Family Museum for allowing us to visit and photograph some of these special exhibitions.

For this week’s stop, Jordan and Andy discuss the official return of the Disneyland Railroad and the Rivers of America attractions. Jordan experienced these newly re-opened attractions and discussed his views on them. Plus, Jordan reviews the new version Fantasmic!

Additionally, Danny this weeks gives us the new rundown about the MinnieVan service at Walt Disney World and a new VR Star Wars experience coming to Downtown Disney and Disney World.

You can listen to this episode on iTunes now or CLICK HERE. While you’re there, make sure you subscribe AND leave us feedback on the new show. We’d really appreciate it as we kick things off.

Our theme song was created by DJ Sorcey. If you want to check out other Disney mixes please check out or DJ Sorcey’s SoundCloud for more.

Host’s Social Media Profiles

Show Notes

]]>http://disneyexaminer.com/2017/08/07/monorail-blue-episode-05-disneyland-railroad-rivers-of-america-return/feed/041519The first-ever Star Wars “hyper-reality” experience is coming to Disneyland and Disney Worldhttp://disneyexaminer.com/2017/08/03/the-first-ever-star-wars-hyper-reality-experience-is-coming-to-disneyland-and-disney-world/
http://disneyexaminer.com/2017/08/03/the-first-ever-star-wars-hyper-reality-experience-is-coming-to-disneyland-and-disney-world/#respondFri, 04 Aug 2017 06:59:01 +0000http://disneyexaminer.com/?p=41511The mixed reality company, The Void, is taking its signature “hyper-reality” experiences and combining it with Lucasfilm to create a way for people to set inside the world that is[...]]]>

The mixed reality company, The Void, is taking its signature “hyper-reality” experiences and combining it with Lucasfilm to create a way for people to set inside the world that is Star Wars.

Being called Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire, the new experience will be a combination of real, physical sets, wearable hardware, and virtual reality programming to put people into the middle of their own Star Wars story. The Void, which recently became the beneficiary of Disney’s startup business incubator program, is already known for blending the real and virtual worlds to create an experience like no other.

“At The VOID, we combine the magic of illusions, advanced technology and virtual reality to create fully immersive social experiences that take guests to new worlds,” said Curtis Hickman, co-founder and chief creative officer at The VOID. “A truly transformative experience is so much more than what you see with your eyes; it’s what you hear, feel, touch, and even smell. Through the power of The VOID, guests who step into ‘Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire’ won’t just see this world, they’ll know that they are part of this amazing story.”

As for the story you’ll get to play in with Secrets of the Empire, no details are being shared by The Void or Lucasfilm’s immersive entertainment division ILMxLAB. However, the concept art above teases some of what you’ll be able to experience. Lots of Star Wars’ famous droids (K-2SO?), stormtroopers, and environments are clearly shown.

“At ILMxLAB, we want people to step inside the worlds of our stories,” said Vicki Dobbs Beck, executive in charge of the division. “Through our collaboration with The VOID, we can make this happen as guests become active participants in an unfolding Star Wars adventure. By combining Lucasfilm’s storytelling expertise with cutting-edge imagery, and immersive sound from the team at Skywalker Sound, while invoking all the senses, we hope to truly transport all those who experience Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire to a galaxy far, far away.”

If this all sounds familiar, then you are catching on to what the Star Wars brand is increasingly becoming to people.

Riding the wave of excitement that’s coming for the Star Wars-themed lands that are coming to Disney’s theme parks in California and Florida, this virtual experience is at least priming interested people of what “total immersion” entertainment will mean once the theme park areas open.

No opening date has been announced for the Star Wars “hyper-reality” experiences, which will be put into two new “Experience Centers” created by The Void at the Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts in Downtown Disney and Disney Springs, respectively. Until that opening, you can check out a video of what the experience might look like in the below demo video.

]]>http://disneyexaminer.com/2017/08/03/the-first-ever-star-wars-hyper-reality-experience-is-coming-to-disneyland-and-disney-world/feed/041511Watch the first trailer for Disney’s “Frozen” musical coming to Denver on August 17http://disneyexaminer.com/2017/07/31/watch-the-first-trailer-for-disneys-frozen-musical-coming-to-denver-on-august-17/
http://disneyexaminer.com/2017/07/31/watch-the-first-trailer-for-disneys-frozen-musical-coming-to-denver-on-august-17/#respondMon, 31 Jul 2017 22:54:58 +0000http://disneyexaminer.com/?p=41507We’re just a few weeks away from opening night of the next Disney stage musical – “Frozen: The Musical.” Disney Theatrical Productions, as well as many creatives from the Oscar-winning[...]]]>

We’re just a few weeks away from opening night of the next Disney stage musical – “Frozen: The Musical.”

Disney Theatrical Productions, as well as many creatives from the Oscar-winning Disney animated film, are quickly working to make sure that everything is in place for the debut on August 17 at the Buell Theatre in Denver, Colorado. While it has been announced that the basic plot of the story will follow the film, a lot has been teased about what’s new that the musical will be able to deliver.

Much of the “new” will include sub-plots, scenes, and characters that will add a lot more emotional depth to the original story. But arguably the most anticipated feature of the new show are the new songs. In total, there will be 14 new songs to take up the rumored 2+ hour runtime, with many of the original film’s songs making into the show as well.

You can get a behind-the-scenes sneak peek at the show in the official trailer for it that was just released and can be viewed in the video player above.

Tickets for “Frozen – The Musical” are now available. The show will make a limited run in Denver until October 1, 2017. It will make its Broadway debut sometime in 2018.

For this week’s stop, Danny and Andy discuss the latest WDPR news, such as the passing of Marty Sklar and the new Mission Space experiences at EPCOT. Then, we go over their top 5 picks for Quick Service Restaurants (or QSRs) at the Disneyland Resort.

You can listen to this episode on iTunes now or CLICK HERE. While you’re there, make sure you subscribe AND leave us feedback on the new show. We’d really appreciate it as we kick things off.

Our theme song was created by DJ Sorcey. If you want to check out other Disney mixes please check out or DJ Sorcey’s SoundCloud for more.

Show Notes

]]>http://disneyexaminer.com/2017/07/31/monorail-blue-episode-04-top-5-disneyland-resort-quick-service-restaurants/feed/041503Introducing ListenEars, exclusive audio reports from DisneyExaminerhttp://disneyexaminer.com/2017/07/28/introducing-listenears-exclusive-audio-reports-from-disneyexaminer/
http://disneyexaminer.com/2017/07/28/introducing-listenears-exclusive-audio-reports-from-disneyexaminer/#respondFri, 28 Jul 2017 16:00:15 +0000http://disneyexaminer.com/?p=41494We hope that you all are enjoying our new Monorail Blue podcast taking you through a weekly journey of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts’ latest news and events! But we’re[...]]]>

We hope that you all are enjoying our new Monorail Blue podcast taking you through a weekly journey of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts’ latest news and events! But we’re not stopping our focus on doing more with audio.

Introducing a new “variety show” called ListenEars!

Hosted by yours truly, ListenEars will be a collection of audio reports that you can’t find anywhere else. That’s because they’ll have interviews by special guests who are knowledgable about the topic for discussion. They’ll range from Imagineers to executives, journalists to fans who will inform and entertain.

And speaking of topics, there will be many – all of which are going to take a closer look at Disney and its various projects. For our pilot episode, we’re excited to have it be about the new Star Wars offerings coming from Walt Disney Parks and Resorts!

More specifically, we chat about what the actual guest experiences will feel like when visiting the theme park land Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and the new Star Wars-themed “immersive hotel” that was announced at the 2017 D23 Expo.

You can listen to the entire episode on iTunes or by using the player above.

]]>http://disneyexaminer.com/2017/07/28/introducing-listenears-exclusive-audio-reports-from-disneyexaminer/feed/041494Here’s the official statement from The Walt Disney Company on the passing of Marty Sklarhttp://disneyexaminer.com/2017/07/27/heres-the-official-statement-from-the-walt-disney-company-on-the-passing-of-marty-sklar/
http://disneyexaminer.com/2017/07/27/heres-the-official-statement-from-the-walt-disney-company-on-the-passing-of-marty-sklar/#commentsFri, 28 Jul 2017 04:39:16 +0000http://disneyexaminer.com/?p=41497Marty Sklar, a Disney Legend and co-founder of Walt Disney Imagineering (Disney’s division in helping make its theme parks and resorts), passed away earlier today at his home in Southern[...]]]>

Marty Sklar, a Disney Legend and co-founder of Walt Disney Imagineering (Disney’s division in helping make its theme parks and resorts), passed away earlier today at his home in Southern California. He was 83.

He had a personal connection to Walt Disney and was credited in helping see Disneyland and later Disney’s other parks and resorts around the world go from dreamer’s dream to a marvelous reality.

Here’s the official statement from The Walt Disney Company about his unexpected passing with Disney CEO Bob Iger saying “everything about Marty was legendary.” No news on memorial services have been announced.

Legendary Disney Imagineer Martin A. “Marty” Sklar passed away in his Hollywood Hills home on Thursday. He was 83. During an illustrious career spanning 54 years, Marty worked closely with Walt Disney and was instrumental in creating, enhancing and expanding Disney’s creative vision. Named a Disney Legend in 2001, he is best remembered and revered by fans around the world for his work bringing Disney’s theme parks to life.

“Everything about Marty was legendary – his achievements, his spirit, his career,” said Bob Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “He embodied the very best of Disney, from his bold originality to his joyful optimism and relentless drive for excellence. He was also a powerful connection to Walt himself. No one was more passionate about Disney than Marty and we’ll miss his enthusiasm, his grace, and his indomitable spirit.”

Born in New Brunswick, N.J., on February 6, 1934, Marty was a student at UCLA and editor of its Daily Bruin newspaper when he was recruited to create The Disneyland News for Walt’s new theme park in 1955. After graduating in 1956, he joined Disney full-time, and would go on to serve as Walt’s right-hand man—scripting speeches, marketing materials, and a film showcasing Walt’s vision for Walt Disney World and Epcot. During this period, he also joined WED Enterprises, the forerunner of Walt Disney Imagineering, and he would later become the creative leader of Imagineering, leading the development of Disney theme parks and attractions for the next three decades. He retired as Executive Vice President and Imagineering Ambassador on July 17, 2009, Disneyland’s 54thbirthday. Disney marked the occasion by paying tribute to Marty with the highest Parks and Resorts recognition, dedicating a window in his name on Disneyland’s City Hall.

“Marty was the ultimate Disney Imagineer and Cast Member. From his days working as an intern with Walt to just two weeks ago engaging with fans at D23 Expo, Marty left an indelible mark on Disney Parks around the globe and on all of the guests who make memories every day with us,” said Bob Chapek, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “He was one of the few people that was fortunate to attend the opening of every single Disney park in the world, from Anaheim in 1955 to Shanghai just last year. We will dearly miss Marty’s passion, skill and imaginative spark that inspired generations of Cast, Crew and Imagineers.”

Bob Weis was one of those Imagineers. “Marty was one of Walt’s most trusted advisors and helped turn his most ambitious dreams into reality. For us, it’s hard to imagine a world without Marty, because Marty is synonymous with Imagineering,” said Weis, President, Walt Disney Imagineering. “His influence can be seen around the world, in every Disney park, and in the creative and imaginative work of almost every professional in the themed entertainment industry.”

Marty’s impact and achievements were recognized with a number of prestigious awards and accolades, including the Lifetime Achievement award from TEA (Themed Entertainment Association), induction into the Hall of Fame of IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions), and the prestigious Professional Achievement Award from UCLA.

He also authored several books about his experiences and adventures at Disney: Dream It! Do It!: My Half-Century Creating Disney’s Magic Kingdoms (2013), and One Little Spark!: Mickey’s Ten Commandments and The Road to Imagineering (2015).

Marty is survived by his wife of 60 years, Leah; son Howard and his wife, Katriina Koski-Sklar; grandchildren Gabriel and Hannah; daughter Leslie; and grandchildren Rachel and Jacob.

Marty and Leah were two of the founders of the Ryman Program for Young Artists, a project of Ryman Arts, a nonprofit foundation whose purpose is to teach and mentor “traditional” drawing and painting skills to talented young artists in Southern California. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Marty’s name to Ryman Arts at www.rymanarts.org.